Dental guard system and method for forming

ABSTRACT

A method of forming a user conformable dental guard includes obtaining a storage case with a handle, and inserting a dental guard and an impression tray in which the dental guard is positioned into the storage case. The method includes filling the storage case with water and placing the storage case and its contents into a microwave oven. The storage case and its contents are then subjected to microwave energy for a period of time sufficient to soften the dental guard. The method includes removing the storage case from the microwave over, flushing the storage case with water to slightly cool the dental guard, removing the dental guard and impression tray from the storage case and inserting the dental guard and impression tray into the user&#39;s mouth. The dental guard is molded by application of force by the user&#39;s teeth.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/692,121, filed Aug. 22, 2012, entitled “DENTALGUARD SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMING.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a nighttime dental guard, impressiontray, storage case and process of forming the dental guard using amicrowave oven.

2. Problem Solved

The present invention overcomes the problems with the numerous otherdental guards on the market in that it is made from a material which canabsorb microwave energy and soften such that it can be molded by auser's teeth. The other products on the market do not work when subjectto microwave heating. They must be heated in a pot of boiling water. Thepresent invention is heated by microwave energy and not boiling water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a methodof forming a user conformable dental guard. The method includesobtaining a storage case with a handle, wherein the storage case is madefrom a thermoplastic material that does not change shape when subjectedto microwave energy during the method of forming, and inserting a dentalguard and an impression tray in which the dental guard is positionedinto the storage case. The dental guard softens when subject tomicrowave energy and has an upper surface and a lower surface. Themethod also includes filling the storage case with water and placing thestorage case, with the water, the dental guard and the impression traytherein, into a microwave oven. The storage case, the water, the dentalguard and the impression tray are then subjected to microwave energy fora period of time sufficient to soften the dental guard. The handle isthen grasped and the storage case is removed from the microwave oven.The method also includes flushing the storage case with water toslightly cool the dental guard, removing the dental guard and impressiontray from the storage case and inserting the dental guard and impressiontray into the user's mouth. The dental guard is molded by application offorce by the user's teeth to the upper surface of the dental guard and alower surface of the impression tray.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method offorming a user conformable dental guard wherein after the application offorce the dental guard is removed from the impression tray.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method offorming a user conformable dental guard wherein the storage caseincludes a base and a cover with vent holes, and wherein the step ofinserting includes closing the cover upon the base after the dentalguard and impression tray have been placed within the storage case.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method offorming a user conformable dental guard wherein the step of filling ofthe storage case with water is performed by pouring the water throughthe vent holes in the cover.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method offorming a user conformable dental guard wherein the vent holes functionto insure the storage case is filled with a correct amount of water asany excess water will simply flow out of the vent holes when the coveris closed upon the base.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method offorming a user conformable dental guard wherein the vent holes allow forthe venting of water vapor when the storage case, the water, the dentalguard and the impression tray are subjected to microwave energy.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method offorming a user conformable dental guard wherein the step of flushingincludes grasping the handle and flushing the storage case with tapwater.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the storage case containing theimpression tray and dental guard prior to forming.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an impression tray.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an impression tray.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an impression tray.

FIG. 5 is an upside down rear view of an impression tray.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an impression tray.

FIG. 7 is a cut away view along line 7-7 of FIG. 4 of an impressiontray.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of an impression tray showing the beveled upperedges of exterior and interior upstanding wall members in detail.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the dental guard prior to forming.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an open storage case containing animpression tray.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a closed storage case.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the dental guard prior to forming.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the arthow to make and/or use the invention.

In accordance with the present invention, and with reference to FIGS. 1to 11, a dental guard system 10 is shown. The dental guard system 10includes a user conformable dental guard 100, an impression tray 200 andstorage case 300. The dental guard 100 once formed provides users withprotection from undesirable jaw clenching and/or tooth grinding whilethey sleep; that is, bruxism.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present dental guard system 10 includes animpression tray 200 and a formable dental guard 100. The formable dentalguard 100 is shaped and dimensioned for positioning within theimpression tray 200 during the forming process. The impression tray 200is preferably formed from a relatively rigid biocompatiblethermoplastic, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene, that will notchange shape when subjected to heat or microwave energy. As will beappreciated based upon the following disclosure, the formable dentalguard 100 is also manufactured from a biocompatible thermoplastic.However, the biocompatible thermoplastic from which the formable dentalguard 100 is formed is a material permitting softening of thethermoplastic to allow for custom forming of the formable dental guard100 upon the application of heat and/or microwave energy.

The present dental guard system 10 also includes a storage case 300which is shaped and dimensioned for use in the forming process, whilealso providing a storage case for the dental guard 100 after it has beenformed in accordance with the present invention. As such, and as withthe impression tray 200, the storage case 300 is preferably formed froma relatively rigid biocompatible thermoplastic that will not changeshape when subjected to heat or microwave energy when forming a dentalguard of the present invention, for example, polypropylene.

With regard to the impression tray 200 shown in FIGS. 2-8, it ispreferably an injection molded biocompatible thermoplastic. As discussedabove, the impression tray is preferably manufactured from polypropyleneor polyethylene. The impression tray 200 is substantially U-shaped andincludes cavity 202 in which the formable dental guard 100 sits whileapplying microwave energy and heat, as well as during the formingprocess. As such, the impression tray 200 includes a first lateral sidesection 204 and second lateral side section 206, the first and secondlateral side sections 204, 206 being connected by an arcuate centersection 208. It is appreciated the impression tray 200 is integrallyformed. As such, the first lateral side section 204 includes an exteriorupstanding wall member 210 and an interior upstanding wall member 212,the exterior and interior wall members 210, 212 being connected by abase member 214 extending therebetween. Similarly, the second lateralside section 206 includes an exterior upstanding wall member 210 and aninterior upstanding wall member 212, the exterior and interior wallmembers 210, 212 being connected by a base member 214 extendingtherebetween. The arcuate center section 208 also includes an exteriorupstanding wall member 210 and an interior upstanding wall member 212,the exterior and interior wall members 210, 212 being connected by abase member 214 extending therebetween. The base member 214 of therespective first lateral side section 204, the second lateral sidesection 206 and the arcuate center section 208 each include an uppersurface 214 a upon which the lower surface 110 of the dental guard 100sits during the forming process and a lower surface 214 b shaped anddimensioned for engaging the lower teeth of a user during the formingprocess. The base member 214 is flat in first and second lateral sidesections 204, 206, but curves upwardly at 214 c in arcuate centersection 208 as best shown in FIG. 7. This results in upper surface 214 ain the arcuate center section being slightly convex. The bottom surface110 of the dental guard 100 matches the contour of upper surface 214 a.

The upper edge 220 of exterior upstanding wall member 210 in lateralside sections 204, 206 and the upper edge 230 of interior upstandingwall member 212 in lateral side sections 204, 206 maybe beveled in orderto aid in directing the rear teeth approximate the first lateral sidesection 204 and second lateral side section 206 of the impression tray200 into the dental guard 100 when forming. The beveled edges functionas a wedge to force one's teeth inward into contact with the dentalguard to be formed. Additionally, the exterior upstanding wall 210 inthe arcuate center section 208 includes a raised area 222 having analignment notch 225 used for centering the front of the impression tray200 between the two front teeth of a user.

As is appreciated, the impression tray 200, that is, the first lateralside section 204, the second lateral side section 206 and the arcuatecenter section 208 are shaped and dimensioned so that the upper teeth ofa user register with the dental guard 100 positioned therein. That is,the impression tray 200, with the dental guard 100 positioned within thecavity 202 defined thereby, is shaped and dimensioned for positioningbetween the upper and lower teeth of the wearer.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, during the process ofcustomizing and forming the dental guard for an individual user theimpression tray 200 and the dental guard 100 are placed in the wearer'smouth and the impression tray 200 is shaped and dimensioned so that thelower teeth of the wearer contact the lower surfaces 214 b of the basemember 214 of the first lateral side section 204, the second lateralside section 206 and the arcuate center section 208.

In practice, the storage case 300 while open, with the dental guard 100and impression tray 200 contained therein, is filled with water tocompletely cover the dental guard 100 and then the storage case 300 isclosed. As will be appreciated based upon the following detaileddisclosure of the storage case 300, it is also possible to fill thestorage case 300 with water with the cover member 302 closed over basemember 303 by pouring water through the vent apertures (or holes) 304formed in the cover member 302 until the storage case 300 is filled andthe dental guard 100 and impression tray 200 are covered with water. Thevents 304 also function to insure the storage case is filled with thecorrect amount of water as any excess water will simply flow out of thevents 304 when the cover 302 is closed. The base member 303 of storagecase 300 also includes a handle section 306 to allow for easy grippingand handling of the storage case 300. The handle section 306 allows oneto grip the storage case 300 without having to come into contact withthe camber formed by the cover member 302 and base member 303. Thus, auser can avoid contact with the heated water contained in the storagecase during the dental guard forming process.

The water filled storage case 300 while closed, with the dental guard100 and impression tray 200 therein, is placed within a microwave ovenuntil the dental guard 100 is sufficiently softened by the microwaveenergy for fitting. The microwave energy acts upon the dental guard 100while the water functions dissipate heat. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the water filled storage case 300is placed in a conventional household microwave oven and subjected tohigh energy for 45 to 90 seconds, depending upon the microwave ovenused, to soften the dental guard 100 for fitting. The time can varybased on the age and wattage of any particular microwave oven. We havefound the range of time can vary between 45 and 90 seconds, however 75seconds seems to work for most microwave ovens.

The storage case 300 is removed from the microwave oven by graspinghandle section 306 and is briefly flushed with cold or lukewarm watervia vent apertures 304 to slightly cool the dental guard 100 andimpression tray 200. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, thestorage case 300, and the dental guard 100 and impression tray 200maintained therein, are flushed with cold or lukewarm tap water forapproximately 3 seconds.

The user then opens the storage case 300 and removes the impression tray200 with the dental guard 100 maintained therein. In particular, theuser immediately picks up the impression tray 200 with the dental guard100 still held within the impression tray 200, and carefully places itin his or her mouth by sliding the dental guard 100/impression tray 200backward in his or her mouth until the front teeth contact the exteriorupstanding wall member 210 at raised area 222 of the arcuate centersection 208 while using alignment notch 225 to center the impressiontray 200 between their two front teeth. While looking in a mirror andusing alignment notch 225 for a point of reference, or by feel the useraligns the center of the dental guard 100/impression tray 200 below thetwo front teeth and the sides of the dental guard below the uppermolars. The user then bites down on the dental guard 100 forapproximately 1 minute to customize and shape the dental guard 100 tospecifically fit the user. The dental guard 100 and the impression tray200 are then removed from the user's mouth. Cold tap water is thenpoured over the dental guard 100 and impression tray 200 for 15 secondsto facilitate the setting of the molded dental guard 100. The dentalguard 100 is then allowed to cool and is then removed from theimpression tray 200 and allowed to sit at room temperature for 2 hoursafter which time the dental guard 100 is ready for use. The impressiontray 200 may then be discarded and the storage case 300 used for storingthe dental guard 100 when the dental guard 100 is not in use. If theuser makes a mistake and needs to reform the dental guard, theimpression tray 200 can be used as a mold to attempt to reform thedental guard material back to a pre-molded state. This allows the userto start the process over to correct any fitting mistakes.

More particularly, the dental guard 100, prior to forming in theprocedure disclosed above, is U-shaped and includes a first lateralguard section 104 and second lateral guard section 106, the first andsecond lateral guard sections 104, 106 being connected by an arcuateguard section 108. Prior to custom forming, the dental guard 100 alsoincludes a smooth upper surface 102 and a smooth lower surface 110, withan interior side wall 112 and an exterior side wall 114 extendingtherebetween. During the forming processing the lower surface 110 is incontact with the impression tray 200 and, therefore, remains smoothafter the dental guard 100 is custom formed as discussed above. Thesmooth upper surface 102 is provided with an arcuate alignment groove116 along the arcuate guard section 108 of the dental guard 100 forengagement with the front teeth of the user so as to enhance alignmentof the dental guard 100 during the forming processing.

As best seen in FIG. 9, dental guard 100 includes angled interior andexterior side walls 112, 114. Side wall 112 starts at edge 113 of theupper surface 102 and tapers down and outward to edge 115 of lowersurface 110. Side wall 114 starts at edge 117 of the upper surface 102and tapers down and outward to edge 119 of lower surface 110, resultingin the width of upper surface 102 being smaller than the width of lowersurface 110. In cross section the dental guard prior to forming appearsas a truncated triangle. This shape results in edges 115, 119 of thelower surface 110 of the dental guard 100 snapping into the impressiontray 200 such that they are frictionally retained between upstandingside walls 210, 212 of the impression tray 200. The upper edges 113, 117of the upper surface 102 do not contact upstanding side walls 210, 212of the impression tray 200. Thus, side walls 112, 114 only contactupstanding side walls 210, 212 of the impression tray 200 approximatelower edges 115, 119 resulting in a space between side walls 112, 114 ofthe dental guard and upstanding side walls 210, 212 of the impressiontray 200. As such, during the forming process the side walls 112, 114 ofdental guard 100 can move outward, when bit into, before contacting theupstanding side walls 210, 212 of the impression tray 200. This resultsin a lower profile finished product which is more comfortable to theuser as the dental guard material moves laterally outward before movingupward. That is, the interior and exterior portions of the dental guard100 which fit about a user's teeth after forming extend a shorterdistance up a user's teeth and remain well below the gum line.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the dental guard 100 is madefrom a propylene based elastomer having moderate elastomeric properties.The propylene based elastomer is an olefinic elastomer having anethylene content of around 11.0% by weight. The elastomer has a meltmass-flow rate (g/10 min.) of 7.0 (230° C./2.16 kg) and does not degradewhen subject to microwave radiation, but does become soft and moldable.

Once formed by the application of force by the teeth of a user, thedental guard 100 includes an upper surface 102 with cavities conformingto the shape and spacing of the user's upper teeth. In particular, theupper surface 102 is no longer smooth but includes a plurality ofrecesses registering with and conforming to the teeth of the user. Thelower surface 110 and the side walls 112, 114 of the dental guard 100remain substantially smooth as they are supported within the cavity 202of the impression tray 200 during the forming process. The lower surface110 becomes hardened and compacted as a result of the user biting downinto the dental guard. After the fitting process takes place, thishardened surface is what keeps the user from biting through the tray andgrinding his or her teeth during the night while wearing the device.

As discussed above, the storage case 300 is shaped and dimensioned forstoring the dental guard 100 prior to the forming processing, during theforming process, and after the forming process when the dental guard 100is stored after use on a nightly basis. The storage case 300 includes aclosed base 303 defining a cavity 308 in which the dental guard 100 isplaced during use. In particular, the closed base 303 includes aplurality of upstanding side walls 310 extending from a perimeter of abase member 314. The upstanding side walls 310 and the base member 314define a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving the dental guard100, as well as the impression tray 200 with the dental guard 100positioned therein.

The storage case 300 is further provided with a cover member 302 securedto the closed base 303 via a living hinge connection 316. The perimeteredge 318 of the cover member 302 is shaped and dimensioned to mate withthe upper ends 320 of the side walls 310 when the cover member 302 isbrought into engagement with the storage case base 303. The perimeteredge 318 of the cover member 302 opposite the edge of the cover member302 with the living hinge 316 is provided with a fastening notch 322shaped and dimensioned to engage a fastening notch 324 formed along theupper end 320 of the side wall 310. In this way, the cover member 302may be secured to the closed base 303 so as to enclose the cavitydefined by the closed base 303.

While the closed base 303 is formed without holes or other apertures soas to provide a cavity 308 in which water may be contained, the covermember 302 includes a plurality of venting apertures or holes 304allowing for the venting of water vapor when the system 10 is subjectedto microwave energy and heated in accordance with the present invention.Thus, excess pressure in the storage case 300 and over heating of thedental guard is prevented.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the dental guard 100 isimpregnated with flavoring, such as mint, that enhances the usability ofthe dental guard 100.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A method of forming a user conformable dental guard,comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a storage case with a handle,wherein the storage case is made from a thermoplastic material that doesnot change shape when subjected to microwave energy during the method offorming; b) inserting a dental guard and an impression tray in which thedental guard is positioned into the storage case, wherein the dentalguard softens when subject to microwave energy and has an upper surfaceand a lower surface; c) filling the storage case with water; d) placingthe storage case, with the water, the dental guard and the impressiontray therein, into a microwave oven; e) subjecting the storage case, thewater, the dental guard and the impression tray to microwave energy fora period of time sufficient to soften the dental guard; f) grasping thehandle and removing the storage case from the microwave oven; g)flushing the storage case with water to slightly cool the dental guard;h) removing the dental guard and impression tray from the storage caseand inserting the dental guard and impression tray into a user's mouth;and i) molding the dental guard by application of force by a user'steeth to the upper surface of the dental guard and a lower surface ofthe impression tray.
 2. The method of forming a user conformable dentalguard according to claim 1, wherein the storage case includes a base anda cover with vent holes, and wherein the step of inserting includesclosing the cover upon the base after the dental guard and impressiontray have been placed within the storage case.
 3. The method of forminga user conformable dental guard according to claim 2, wherein the stepof filling of the storage case with water is performed by pouring thewater through the vent holes in the cover.
 4. The method of forming auser conformable dental guard according to claim 2, wherein the ventholes function to insure the storage case is filled with a correctamount of water as any excess water will simply flow out of the ventholes when the cover is closed upon the base.
 5. The method of forming auser conformable dental guard according to claim 2, wherein the ventholes allow for the venting of water vapor when the storage case, thewater, the dental guard and the impression tray are subjected tomicrowave energy.
 6. The method of forming a user conformable dentalguard according to claim 1, wherein after the application of force thedental guard is removed from the impression tray.
 7. The method offorming a user conformable dental guard according to claim 1, whereinthe step of flushing includes grasping the handle and flushing thestorage case with tap water.